BOLTON'S very own Olympic cycling hero Jason Kenny has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List.

Farnworth-born Sir Jason, 33, became Britain's most decorated Olympian after last year's competition in Tokyo when he took his gold medal tally to a record breaking seven.

The star athlete's wife and fellow cyclist Laura has also been awarded a damehood alongside him thanks to her six Olympic medals, making her both the most successful female cyclist and the most successful British female athlete in the competition's history

Bolton Council leader Cllr Martyn Cox said: "I think it's wholly appropriate that Britain's most decorated Olympian is given a knighthood.

"I know he's a very shy and modest person but all across the town we're all thrilled for him."

He added: "It's great news for Jason, a great son of Bolton and obviously Laura's not from Bolton but we're all delighted for her as well."

The Bolton News:

Dame Laura and Sir Jason Kenny

Sir Jason became the first Briton to win seven Olympic gold medals, part of nine medals overall, when he cycled to victory in the men’s Keirin final in Izu in August last year.

This latest victory meant that he has now won gold at four consecutive Games, taking his first title in the team sprint in Beijing, before winning team and individual sprint at both London and Rio in addition to the Keirin crown five years ago.

As such, Sir Jason and Dame Laura are now the most successful married couple in Olympic history where both spouses have won at least one gold medal, with 12 gold and three silver medals between them.

The Bolton News:

Sir Jason Kenny in action

For aspiring Bolton athletes, Sir Jason's success has shown just how far talent and determination can take them.

Cllr Cox said: "Sport is one of those things that can inspire people and Jason is a shining example of this."

The couple are amongst a raft of Tokyo 2020 stars be honoured, including Hannah Cockroft, Tom Daley, Adam Peaty and Max Whitlock who all received OBEs.

US Open tennis champion Emma Raducanu has been made an MBE as assistant manager of the England men’s football team Steve Holland.

British Cycling performance director Stephen Park said: "Not only are Jason and Laura true masters of their craft, they are also wonderful team-mates, role models and ambassadors for our sport.

"I'm personally delighted that their remarkable performances have been recognised in the New Year Honours list and they should both be incredibly proud of what they have achieved."